Image acquisition device and optical component thereof

ABSTRACT

An optical component of an image acquisition device includes at least two faces each having a first optically active region, the first optically active regions of the at least two faces being assigned to optical functions homologous to each other, but according to different acquisition configurations, the at least two faces defining respective reference planes, the normals to the reference planes being differently oriented.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns an image acquisition device and anoptical component thereof.

Such an image acquisition device can in particular be a device,preferably an imaging device, for reading one-dimensional ortwo-dimensional optical codes, an artificial vision and inspectionsystem, and similar.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the case of an optical code reader, the processing of the acquiredimage makes it possible to identify the characteristics of the elementsof the code, such as the width and/or the number of bands and spaces inthe case of barcodes or stacked codes, the magnitude of two-dimensionalelements in the case of two-dimensional codes, the colour in the case ofcolour codes, etc. Such characteristics encode the most widely varyinginformation associated with any object carrying the optical code.

Just as an example, in the fields of transportation, of delivery and ofstorage of goods, optical codes make it possible to easily keep track ofgoods.

Similarly, in artificial vision and inspection systems an area isilluminated and an image thereof is acquired for its remote display orfor the most widely varying subsequent processing, according to theintended purpose.

In such image acquisition devices it is necessary to illuminate theentire width of a 1D code or an entire 2D code, or more generally theentire area of which an image is to be acquired, and to collect anddetect the light diffused by the code or by the area through a suitablephotodetector device or sensor.

Image acquisition devices have different critical aspects.

Both in the one-dimensional case and in the two-dimensional case, theperformance of an image acquisition device is optimal only within acertain depth of field, meant as the range of distances between theimage acquisition device and the optical code or the area of which theimage is to be acquired.

The acquisition distance can, however, change greatly according to theintended application, or even within the same application, as theconditions change.

The depth of field depends greatly upon the receiving optics of theimage acquisition device and is affected by the sources and by theoptics for illuminating the area to be acquired.

In order to increase the depth of field, autofocus devices are knownthat typically provide for electromechanical movement of parts of theoptics. Such autofocus devices substantially increase the bulk, theweight, the cost, and the complexity of image acquisition devices.

It has also been proposed to provide for acquisition devices with twodifferent acquisition subsystems, having depths of field centered atdifferent distances, so that the overall depth of field of theacquisition device results from the juxtaposition of the two depths offield. Practical embodiments of such acquisition devices, however,provide for use of various optical components for forming two suitableillumination patterns and for imaging on two sensors, as well as ofmirrors for deflecting the collected light onto the two sensors, also inthis case substantially increasing the bulk, the weight, the cost andthe complexity of image acquisition devices.

In image acquisition systems it is essential to ensure a predeterminedmutual positioning or alignment in the broadest sense that is veryprecise between all of the optical, mechanical and optoelectroniccomponents in order to make performance optimal. It follows from thisthat, if the number of components to be assembled substantiallyincreases, the production and/or installation cost increasesproportionally.

In particular, in the case of portable, hand-held or wearable, forexample wrist- or finger-wearable image acquisition devices, the weightand bulk must be kept particularly low to allow a prolonged use thereof.Acquisition devices weighing from 50 g to 100 g and with size of about50-70 mm×50-70 mm×50-70 mm, like those currently on the market, aretiring and therefore not very ergonomic.

Then in the case of complex portable or fixed processing systems, theimage acquisition is often associated with other optoelectronicfunctions, including the projection of a luminous aiming figure, usedfor the correct positioning of the device with respect to the area fromwhich the image is to be acquired; the projection of a luminous outcomefigure, i.e. indicative of the positive or negative outcome and ofpossible reasons for negative outcome of the acquisition and/orprocessing of the image and/or decoding in the case of an optical codereader; the optoelectronic detection of presence of an image to beacquired, in particular of an optical code, in the field of view of theacquisition device; the optoelectronic distance measurement, to providefeedback on the position of the image to be acquired with respect to theacquisition device, possibly through triangulation; the transmission,reception or transmission/reception of information, for example for thetransmission of the acquired image, or of a processed version thereof,to an external device.

All or part of these functions can be carried out by exploitingelectromagnetic radiation with continuous spectrum or with differentwavelengths and selected in suitable ranges, according to the intendedpurpose.

Such functions require the use of additional optoelectronic subsystems,which leads to an increase in the number of optical components to beassembled, as well as to an increase in weight and bulk of the imageacquisition device if integrated in it. Vice-versa, should theaforementioned subsystems not be integrated into the image acquisitiondevice, the space available for the latter can in any case be extremelysmall.

The technical problem at the basis of the present invention is toprovide an image acquisition device and an optical component thereofthat provide good performance and versatility with respect to one ormore of the aforementioned requirements, in particular that areparticularly compact and light and simple to assemble, in particularintrinsically capable of ensuring the correct mutual positioning of thedifferent optical, mechanical and optoelectronic components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns, in a first aspect thereof, an optical componentof an image acquisition device, comprising at least two faces eachhaving a first optically active region, said first optically activeregions of said at least two faces being assigned to optical functionshomologous to each other, but according to different acquisitionconfigurations, said at least two faces defining respective referenceplanes, the normals to the reference planes being differently oriented.

The provision in the same optical component of at least two facescomprising respective regions assigned to homologous optical functionsassociated with different acquisition configurations allows at least twodifferent acquisition configurations of the same type to be made, forexample two illumination and/or imaging, or aiming or outcome indicatingor any other optical function configuration, differing in focusingdistance, wavelength used, type of image to be acquired, etc., by simplysuitably selecting the optical characteristics of the regions of thefaces of the component and/or their number and their mutual positioning.Therefore, two acquisition configurations are meant as different if theydiffer in the value of at least one characteristic parameter (focaldistance, field of view, wavelength, etc.) of at least one of theoptical functions carried out (illumination, imaging, aiming, etc.).Moreover, by providing that such faces have a different orientation itis possible to reduce the size and therefore the weight of the opticalcomponent. Furthermore, the assembly operations are particularlysimplified since the mutual positioning of the optically active regionsis already intrinsically predetermined and therefore no alignments andindividual calibrations are required.

Preferably, said homologous optical functions are functions identicallyselected from the group consisting of illumination beam shaping,imaging, aiming, indication, distance measurement includingtriangulation, presence detection, information transmission, informationreception, information transmission/reception.

In the rest of the present disclosure, the illumination beam shapingfunction shall sometimes be indicated as illumination function for thesake of brevity.

Preferably, the normals to the reference planes form an angle of 90°.

However, different angles of orientation are also possible to make agreater number of faces having optically active regions associated withhomologous optical functions, and therefore a greater number ofdifferent acquisition configurations.

Preferably, said at least two faces each further comprise at least onesecond optically active region assigned to at least one optical functionnot homologous to the optical functions of said first optically activeregions.

The integration of optically active regions associated with differentfunctions allows the size and the weight of the image acquisition devicecomprising such an optical component to be reduced even further.

More specifically, said at least one non-homologous optical function isalso selected from the group consisting of illumination beam shaping,imaging, aiming, indication, distance measurement includingtriangulation, presence detection, information transmission, informationreception, information transmission/reception.

In a particularly preferred way said at least two faces comprise atleast two pairs each formed of at least one optically active regionassigned to an illumination beam shaping function and at least oneoptically active region assigned to an imaging function.

In this way the optical component is suitable for providing twodifferent acquisition subsystems.

Preferably, at least one region of at least one face is selected fromthe group consisting of a flat refractive surface, a refractive surfaceof locally defined arbitrary shape, a diffractive surface, and apolyhedral surface.

Refractive surfaces of locally defined arbitrary shape are described inEP 1 804 089 A1, incorporated herein by reference.

Polyhedral surfaces are described in EP 1 172 756 B1, incorporatedherein by reference.

Said at least one region is advantageously used with illumination beamshaping, aiming, and signalling optical function.

Alternatively or in addition, preferably at least one region of at leastone face is selected from the group consisting of a spherical refractivesurface, an aspherical refractive surface, a toroidal refractivesurface, and a diffractive surface.

Said at least one region is advantageously used with imaging opticalfunction.

Preferably, the component further comprises at least one face having atleast one region configured to deflect light internally of thecomponent.

The deflection internal to the component makes it possible to opticallyassociate with each other optically active regions of faces of thecomponent that are not parallel. In this way, it is possible to obtain aparticularly compact optical component, as well as to suitably orientatethe optoelectronic components of the acquisition device of which theoptical component is part with respect to a face thereof interfacingwith the area of which the image is to be acquired.

In the present description and in the attached claims, by the expression“optically associated” it is meant to indicate regions and/or componentsthe configuration and/or the mutual positioning of which are such as toconvey a light beam from one to the other region/component, possiblysuitably changing its characteristics such as shape, direction and localintensity, according to the intended optical function. (In particular,the optical association can consist of an optical alignment.)

In a first embodiment, particularly suitable for an image acquisitiondevice having two light emitters and two sensors, the componentcomprises faces arranged along or parallel to the lateral surface of aright angle polyhedron with rectangular trapezium-shaped cross-section.

Preferably, the face along the oblique side forms an angle of 45° withthe face along the major base.

In a particularly preferred manner:

-   -   the minor base face and the right angle side face each comprise        at least one first region that is flat refractive, refractive of        locally defined arbitrary shape, or diffractive, and a second        region having the shape of a spherical refractive, aspherical        refractive, toroidal refractive or diffractive surface;    -   the oblique side face is configured to deflect light internally        of the optical component;    -   the major base face comprises at least one first region        optically associated with the first region of the minor base        face, that is flat refractive, refractive of locally defined        arbitrary shape, or diffractive; a second region optically        associated with the second region of the minor base face and        having the shape of a spherical refractive, aspherical        refractive, toroidal refractive or diffractive surface; a third        region optically associated with the first region of the right        angle side face through said oblique side face, that is flat        refractive, refractive of locally defined arbitrary shape, or        diffractive; and a fourth region optically associated with the        second region of the right angle side face through said oblique        side face, and having the shape of a spherical refractive,        aspherical refractive, toroidal refractive or diffractive        surface.

In order to also provide an aiming or outcome indication function, oranother function among those described above, preferably said regionsfrom the first to the fourth of said major base face are arranged as asquare and said major base face further comprises a central region; saidminor base face comprises a further optically active region opticallyassociated with the central region of the major base face; said centralregion and further region being independently selected from the groupconsisting of flat refractive, refractive of locally defined arbitraryshape, diffractive or polyhedral surfaces.

In other embodiments, particularly suitable for an image acquisitiondevice having just one light emitter and just one sensor, the componentcomprises faces arranged in pairs parallel to one another.

In a particularly preferred manner, each face comprises at least onefirst region that is flat refractive, refractive of locally definedarbitrary shape, or diffractive, and at least two faces each comprise atleast one second region having the shape of a spherical refractive,aspherical refractive, toroidal refractive or diffractive surface, thefirst regions of faces of a pair of faces parallel to each other beingoptically associated, and the second regions of faces of a pair of facesparallel to each other being optically associated.

In an embodiment, said pairs of faces parallel to each other are two innumber, the faces of one pair being perpendicular to the faces of theother pair.

In other embodiments said faces arranged in pairs parallel to each otherare arranged along the sides of a polygon with an even number of sides.

In this way it is possible to make more than two homologous opticalfunctions, and therefore more than two acquisition configurations.

In order to also provide a aiming or outcome indication function, oranother function among those described above, at least one face can haveat least one further optically active region selected from the groupconsisting of a flat refractive, a refractive of locally definedarbitrary shape, a diffractive and a polyhedral surface.

In order to avoid interference with an illumination function, at leastone light guide can extend from said at least one further opticallyactive region of said at least one face to a parallel face of saidcomponent.

Advantageously, in terms of weight and cost, at least one face of thecomponent is made of a plastic material.

Even more preferably, to make it easier to produce the opticalcomponent, said at least one face is made by moulding.

The component can further comprise an inner screen.

Advantageously, such an inner screen separates an illumination beamshaping section on one side and an imaging section on the other, toavoid direct illumination of the sensor(s) of the image acquisitiondevice by its emitter(s).

Such a screen can for example consist of an opaque inner wall should thebody of the transparent optical component be hollow, or made of anopaque plastic material co-moulded with the transparent material to makea solid optical component.

The various faces of the optical component can be fixed onto a supportframework. Preferably, however, the component is monolithic.

In another aspect thereof, the invention concerns an optical componentof an image acquisition device, comprising at least two pairs eachformed of at least one optically active region assigned to anillumination beam shaping function, and at least one optically activeregion assigned to an imaging function, said at least two pairs ofoptically active regions being configured according to differentacquisition configurations.

In another aspect thereof, the invention concerns an image acquisitiondevice comprising a component as described above, and a printed circuitsuitable to face a face of said optical component.

Preferably, said printed circuit comprises at least one light emitterand at least one image sensor, respectively able to be opticallyassociated with at least one optically active region of said component.

In order to also allow the simultaneous use of at least two differentimage acquisition configurations, the device can further comprise atleast one second printed circuit able to be fixed parallel to a face ofsaid component adjacent to said face to which said printed circuit canbe fixed.

Preferably, said second printed circuit comprises at least one lightemitter and at least one image sensor, respectively able to be opticallyassociated with at least one optically active region of said component.

The device can further comprise electronics for driving said emittersand sensors of said first and second printed circuit.

Preferably, said drive electronics comprise at least one detector of anacquisition condition and provides for switching on the emitter and thesensor of the first printed circuit or the emitter and the sensor of thesecond printed circuit based upon the detected acquisition condition.

Preferably, said detector is a distance measurement system, even morepreferably integrated in the image acquisition device and exploiting theoptical component itself.

Alternatively, said drive electronics provides for switching on theemitter and the sensor of the first printed circuit in a firsthalf-cycle and the emitter and the sensor of the second printed circuitin a second half-cycle.

The device can further comprise at least one apertured screen having atleast one aperture optically associated with at least one region of atleast one face of the optical component.

In order to make the image acquisition device even more compact, butonly allow the alternate use of at least two different image acquisitionconfigurations, the device can further comprise a mechanism for rotatingthe optical component between a first acquisition configuration whereinsaid printed circuit faces a first face of said optical component, andat least one second acquisition configuration wherein said printedcircuit faces a second face of said optical component.

Preferably, said optical component is partially hollow and the devicefurther comprises an imaging lens housed in the cavity of the opticalcomponent, able to be optically associated with at least one opticallyactive region having imaging function of said optical component.

The device can further comprise at least one further light emitterassociated with an aiming or indication function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Characteristics and advantages of the invention shall now be illustratedwith reference to embodiments represented as a non-limiting example inthe attached drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of an image acquisition device andof an optical component thereof;

FIG. 3 illustrates the optical device of FIGS. 1 and 2 with amodification of the optical component and of a printed circuit;

FIG. 4 illustrates an optical component modified with respect to FIGS. 1and 2;

FIG. 5 illustrates in part the optical device of FIGS. 1 and 2 with amodification of a screen thereof;

FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of an image acquisition deviceand of an optical component thereof;

FIG. 7 illustrates a third embodiment of an image acquisition device andof an optical component thereof;

FIG. 8 illustrates the optical component of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a further optical acquisition device and an opticalcomponent thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first embodiment of an image acquisition device 1 and of an opticalcomponent 20 thereof is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The image acquisition device 1 comprises, besides the optical component20, a first printed circuit 2.

The first printed circuit 2 comprises a light emitter 3, like forexample a light emitting diode (LED), a laser diode, a visible laserdiode (VLD), a vertical cavity surface emission laser (VCSEL), aresonant cavity light emitting diode (RC-LED) or other suitable lightsources.

The first printed circuit 2 further comprises a photodetector device orimage sensor 4. The sensor 4 can be a one-dimensional or, preferably, atwo-dimensional sensor. The sensor 4 is of the type suitable fordetecting the light diffused by the area of which the image is to beacquired when it is illuminated by the radiation emitted by the emitter3. The sensor 4 can for example be a CCD sensor, a C-MOS sensor, orother suitable photosensitive elements.

The image acquisition device 1 further comprises a second printedcircuit 5.

The second printed circuit 5 also comprises a light emitter 6 and aphotodetector device or image sensor 7, of the type suitable fordetecting the light diffused by the area of which the image is to beacquired when it is illuminated by the radiation emitted by the emitter6.

The first and/or second printed circuit(s) 2, 5 can also comprise(pre-)processing electronics of the acquired image, selected in anon-limiting way among filters and amplifiers, an analogue-to-digitalconverter, a transmission and/or reception component for externalcommunication of the acquired image, a driver of a display device, oneor more memories, etcetera. In the case of an optical code reader, therecan also be a digitiser in the case of black and white codes, a decoder,and possibly further electronics dedicated to other functions.

The first and/or second printed circuit(s) 2, 5 preferably include(s)contact pads suitable for reflux soldering or for the positioning ofconventional miniaturised ZIF (“Zero Insertion Force”) connectors.

The image acquisition device 1 further comprises an apertured screen 8,better described hereinafter.

The optical component 20 is a monolithic transparent body. The opticalcomponent 20 is preferably made by moulding of a plastic material.

The optical component 20 is more specifically a right angle polyhedralbody, with rectangular trapezoidal cross-section.

The angle of inclination of the oblique side is preferably 45°.

The minor base face 21 of the optical component 20 faces the firstprinted circuit 2 in the optical acquisition device 1.

Preferably, pins (not shown) for engaging in holes (not shown) of thefirst printed circuit 2 project from the minor base face 21 of theoptical component 20, or there are other suitable means for ensuring thecorrect mutual positioning or alignment in the broadest sense betweenthe components of the printed circuit 2 and the optical component 20, inparticular its optically active regions described hereinafter.

The minor base face 21 of the optical component 20 comprises a firstoptically active region 22 and a second optically active region 23 that,in the acquisition device 1, are respectively optically associated withthe emitter 3 and with the sensor 4 of the first printed circuit 2.

The first region 22 of the minor base face 21 is a surface configured togive the light emitted by the emitter 3 properties more suitable for theillumination of the area of which the image is to be acquired.

In other words, the first region 22 of the minor base face 21 is part ofa first non-imaging lens.

In the present description and in the attached claims, under theexpression “non-imaging lens” it is meant to indicate a lens in whichthere is not a one-to-one relationship between an object point and animage point, but rather any relationship such as one-to-many for someobject points, one-to-one for other object points and many-to-one foryet other object points. Such lenses therefore do not create an image ofthe object in the photographic sense, but are suitable for example toshape the light of a light source according to a pattern suitable forthe illumination of the area to be acquired.

In the present description and in the attached claims, under theexpression “imaging lens”, on the other hand, it is meant to indicate alens in which there is a one-to-one relationship between an object pointand an image point. Such lenses are suitable for the formation of animage so to say photographically on a sensor.

The first region 22 of the minor base face 21 is preferably a refractivesurface of locally defined arbitrary shape, as described in EP 1 804 089A1.

Alternatively, the first region 22 of the minor base face 21 can be aflat refractive surface or a diffractive surface.

The second region 23 of the minor base face 21 has the shape of aspherical refractive, aspherical refractive, toroidal refractive ordiffractive surface, so as to embody a first surface of a first imaginglens.

The right angle side face 24 of the optical component 20 faces thesecond printed circuit 5 in the optical acquisition device 1.

Preferably, pins (not shown) for engaging in holes (not shown) of thesecond printed circuit 5 project from the right angle side face 24 ofthe optical component 20, or there are other suitable means for ensuringthe correct mutual positioning or alignment in the broadest sensebetween the components of the printed circuit 5 and the opticalcomponent 20, in particular its optically active regions.

The right angle side face 24 of the optical component 20 comprises afirst region 25 and a second region 26 that, in the acquisition device1, are respectively optically associated with the emitter 6 and with thesensor 7 of the second printed circuit 5.

Similarly to the first region 22 of the minor base face 21, the firstregion 25 of the right angle side face 24 is a surface configured togive the light emitted by the emitter 6 properties more suitable for theillumination of the area of which the image is to be acquired.

In other words, the first region 25 of the right angle side face 24 ispart of a second non-imaging lens.

The first region 25 of the right angle side face 24 is also preferably arefractive surface of locally defined arbitrary shape or, alternatively,it can be a flat refractive surface or a diffractive surface.

Similarly to the second region 23 of the minor base face 21, the secondregion 26 of the right angle side face 24 has the shape of a sphericalrefractive, aspherical refractive, toroidal refractive or diffractivesurface, so as to embody a first surface of a second imaging lens.

The oblique side face 27 of the optical component 20 is configured likea deflection mirror, at least at two regions 28, 29 thereof opticallyassociated with the regions 25, 26 of the right angle side face 24.

The oblique side face 27 can carry out the deflection mirror functionthrough a mirror treatment of the transparent material of the opticalcomponent 20, the application of a mirror or of a reflective paint tothe outside of the transparent material of the optical component 20, orthrough total internal reflection (TIR).

Alternatively or in addition, the oblique side face 27 could also haveoptically active regions of the type analogous to the other regions ofthe optical component 20, to carry out not just the deflection function,but also the function of surfaces of the imaging or non-imaging lenses.

The major base face 30 of the optical component 20 comprises, in itsportion facing the minor base face 21, a first region 31 opticallyassociated with the first region 22 of the minor base face 21 and withthe emitter 3 of the first printed circuit 2, as well as a second region32, optically associated with the second region 23 of the minor baseface 21 and with the sensor 4 of the first printed circuit 2.

The major base face 30 of the optical component 20 further comprises, inits portion facing the oblique side face 27, a third region 33 opticallyassociated with the first region 25 of the right angle side face 24 andwith the emitter 6 of the second printed circuit 5, through the firstregion 28 of the oblique side face 27, as well as a fourth region 34,optically associated with the second region 26 of the right angle sideface 24 and with the sensor 7 of the second printed circuit 5.

The first region 31 of the major base face 30 is a surface configured togive the light emitted by the emitter 3 properties more suitable for theillumination of the image to be acquired, in cooperation with the firstregion 22 of the minor base face 21.

The first region 31 of the major base face 30 is therefore part of thefirst non-imaging lens.

The first region 31 of the major base face 30 is also preferably arefractive surface of locally defined arbitrary shape or, alternatively,it can be a flat refractive surface or a diffractive surface.

The second region 32 of the major base face 30 has the shape of aspherical refractive, aspherical refractive, toroidal refractive ordiffractive surface, so as to embody a second surface of the firstimaging lens.

The third region 33 of the major base face 30 is a surface configured togive the light emitted by the emitter 6 properties more suitable for theillumination of the image to be acquired, in cooperation with the firstregion 25 of the right angle side face 24.

The third region 33 of the major base face 30 is therefore part of thesecond non-imaging lens.

The third region 33 of the major base face 30 is also preferably arefractive surface of locally defined arbitrary shape or, alternatively,it can be a flat refractive surface or a diffractive surface.

The fourth region 34 of the major base face 30 has the shape of aspherical refractive, aspherical refractive, toroidal refractive ordiffractive surface, so as to embody a second surface of the secondimaging lens.

In the optical acquisition device 1, the apertured screen 8 faces themajor base surface 30 of the optical component 20.

Preferably, pins (not shown) for engaging in holes (not shown) of theapertured screen 8 project from the major base face 30 of the opticalcomponent 20, or there are other means suitable for ensuring the correctmutual positioning or alignment in the broadest sense between the screenand the optical component 20, in particular its optically activeregions.

The apertured screen 8 could also be made of an opaque plastic materialco-moulded with the transparent material or replaced by an lightabsorbing treatment of the major base face 30 or by painting it.

The apertured screen 8 comprises, in its portion corresponding to theminor base face 22, a first aperture 9 and a second aperture 10 and, inits region corresponding to the oblique side face 27, a third aperture11 and a fourth aperture 12.

The first aperture 9 is optically associated with the first non-imaginglens comprising the first region 22 of the minor base face 21 and thefirst region 31 of the major base face 30, as well as with the emitter 3of the first printed circuit 2, and it is configured to screen (baffleaperture) from possible reflections and to select the emission cone ofthe emitter 3 associated with such a first non-imaging lens.

The second aperture 10 is optically associated with the first imaginglens comprising the second region 23 of the minor base face 21 and thesecond region 32 of the major base face 30, as well as with the sensor 4of the first printed circuit 2, and it is configured to embody anaperture stop of such a first imaging lens.

The third aperture 11 is optically associated with the secondnon-imaging lens comprising the first region 25 of the right angle sideface 24 and the third region 33 of the major base face 30, as well aswith the emitter 6 of the second printed circuit 5, and it is configuredto screen (baffle aperture) from possible reflections and to select theemission cone of the emitter 6.

The fourth aperture 12 is optically associated with the second imaginglens comprising the second region 26 of the right angle side face 24 andthe fourth region 34 of the major base face 30, as well as with thesensor 7 of the second printed circuit 5, and it is configured to embodyan aperture stop of such a second imaging lens.

The apertured screen 8 could however be left out.

Thanks to the optical association, the light beam emitted by the emitter3 is conveyed from the first region 22 of the minor base face 21 to thefirst region 31 of the major base face 30, possibly undergoing thesuitable changes in characteristics such as shape and local intensity.Purely for indicative purposes, the overall progression of the lightbeam is shown with reference numeral 35.

Moreover, thanks to the optical association, the light beam diffused bythe illuminated area is conveyed from the second region 32 of the majorbase face 30 to the second region 23 of the minor base face 21, and thento the sensor 4 of the first printed circuit 2, undergoing the suitablechanges in direction suitable for the formation of an image on thesensor 4. Purely for indicative purposes, the overall progression of thelight beam is shown with reference numeral 36.

It should be noted that the overall progression 35 of the firstillumination light beam and the overall progression 36 of the firstimaging light beam are parallel.

By suitably configuring the aforementioned regions 22, 31; 23, 32, theemitter 3 and the sensor 4 of the first printed circuit 2, and theapertures 9, 10 of the apertured screen 8, it is therefore possible tomake, in the image acquisition device 1, a first subsystem having afirst acquisition configuration.

Similarly, thanks to the optical association, the light beam emitted bythe emitter 6 of the second printed circuit 2 is conveyed from the firstregion 25 of the right angle side face 24 to the third region 33 of themajor base face 30, possibly undergoing the suitable changes incharacteristics such as shape and local intensity. Purely for indicativepurposes, the overall progression of the light beam is shown withreference numeral 37, 37′.

Moreover, thanks to the optical association, the light beam diffused bythe illuminated area is conveyed from the fourth region 34 of the majorbase face 30 to the second region 26 of the right angle side face 24,and then to the sensor 7 of the second printed circuit 5, undergoing thesuitable changes in direction suitable for the formation of an image onthe sensor 4. Purely for indicative purposes, the overall progression ofthe light beam is shown with reference numeral 38, 38′.

It should be noted that the overall progression 37, 37′ of the secondillumination light beam and the overall progression 38, 38′ of thesecond imaging light beam are parallel.

By suitably configuring the aforementioned regions 25, 33; 26, 34, theemitter 6 and the sensor 7 of the second printed circuit 5 and theapertures 11, 12 of the apertured screen 8, in the image acquisitiondevice 1, a second subsystem having a second acquisition configurationcan therefore be made.

It should be noted that, thanks to the different orientation between thefaces of the optical component 20, in particular thanks to theorientation at 90° between the minor base face 21 and the right angleside face 24, the overall progressions 35 and 37, 37′ of the light beamsassociated with the homologous illumination functions according to thetwo different configurations intersect, in particular at 90° in portions35 and 37, as well as the overall progressions 36 and 38, 38′ of thelight beams associated with the homologous imaging functions accordingto the two different configurations intersect, in particular at 90° inportions 36 and 38.

Under orientation between the faces of the optical component 20 it ismeant to indicate the orientation between the normals to referenceplanes defined by the faces. Under reference plane defined by a face, aplane corresponding to the overall progression of the face is meant. Inparticular, the reference plane can be defined by one or more flatportions of the face that act as a frame or as a support for theoptically active regions contained in it. In the figures, the normals tothe reference planes defined by the faces 21, 24 and 30 are identifiablein the portions of the overall progressions of the light beams 35 and36; 37 and 38; and 37′, 38′, respectively. From a practical embodimentpoint of view, the reference plane is a real or virtual plane that actsas a reference for the correct positioning of the component with respectto the mechanical and optoelectronic components associated with it.

Inside the optical component 20 there can be a screen 59 between theregions assigned to the illumination function (overall progressions 35and 37, 37′) on one side, and the regions assigned to the imagingfunction (overall progressions 36 and 38, 38′) on the other.

Such a screen 59 can for example consist of an opaque inner wall shouldthe body of the transparent optical component 20 be hollow, or of anopaque plastic material co-moulded with the transparent material to makea solid optical component 20.

Alternatively or in addition to the inner screen 59, there can bescreens for the trapezoidal faces of the optical component 20, forrejecting ambient light.

Just as an example, the first subsystem of the image acquisition device1 can provide an optimised configuration for close-up acquisition, whilethe second subsystem can provide an optimised configuration forlong-distance acquisition; the first subsystem can provide an optimisedconfiguration for the acquisition of black and white optical codes,while the second subsystem can provide an optimised configuration forthe acquisition of colour optical codes; the first subsystem can providean optimised configuration for a first wavelength, while the second canprovide an optimised configuration for a second wavelength; etcetera.

It should be emphasised that in the various cases, it is possible toconfigure the image acquisition device 1 so that in each acquisitionsubsystem the field of view of the illumination section can coincidewith the field of view of the receiving section, or can be superimposedover it completely at least at one distance, and at least partially atthe other distances.

The subsystems can be used simultaneously, alternatively or alternately.

It is noted that simultaneous use is not precluded by the intersectionof the light beams, in particular since it is possible to use differentwavelengths and/or design overall progressions of the individual lightrays so as to avoid interference, thanks also to the exploitation of therefractive surfaces of locally defined arbitrary shape.

In the case of simultaneous use, both of the acquisition subsystems willprovide images to be processed to a processor of the image acquisitiondevice 1 itself or external thereto, which can process them in parallelor individually.

In the case of alternative use, in the image acquisition device 1 justone of the two printed circuits 2, 5 can be assembled, according to thepredetermined configuration, with manifest advantages in terms ofproduction of parts and of storage.

In the case of alternate use, cyclic drive electronics can for examplebe provided for, which provides for switching on the emitter 3 and thesensor 4 of the first printed circuit 2 in a first half-cycle and theemitter 6 and the sensor 7 of the second printed circuit 5 in a secondhalf-cycle.

Furthermore, manual or automatic selection of the acquisitionconfiguration to be used can be provided, for example based upon thedistance of the image to be acquired, upon the type of optical code tobe acquired or based upon the outcome of the acquisition, namely tryingto decode with a first configuration and trying to decode again with theother configuration if the decoding attempt is unsuccessful.

Advantageously, the drive electronics is associated with at least onedetector of the acquisition condition, preferably with a distancemeasurement system integrated in the image acquisition device 1, andeven more preferably with an optoelectronic distance measurement systemthe optical part of which is integrated in the optical component 20itself, as further discussed hereinafter.

In the particularly interesting case of optimised configurations foracquisition from a different distance, the optical acquisition device 1can therefore include an autofocus function.

The image acquisition device 1 is extremely compact and light. The imageacquisition device 1 is therefore particularly suitable for being housedin a portable, hand-held or wearable, e.g. wrist- or finger-wearablecasing, or integrated in an even complex image acquisition andprocessing system wherein the dimensional restrictions are particularlystringent.

Moreover, operations for assembling the image acquisition device 1 arequick and simple thanks to the low number of components to be mounted,in particular to the absence of many optical components to be positionedin the desired mutual geometric relationship, as well as thanks to theprovision of coupling pins and holes, which determine the automaticpositioning of the elements of the image acquisition device 1 in thedesired geometric relationship, in particular their alignment.

It should be understood that it is possible to extend the opticalacquisition device 1 increasing the number of optically active regionsof the various faces of the optical component 20, and arranging furtheroptoelectronic components on the printed circuits 2, 5. For example, itis possible to provide for a double illumination associated with eachsensor, or two sensors with different properties associated having acommon illumination, or to make any number of acquisition subsystems.

The optically active regions of the various faces of the opticalcomponent 20 could also be assigned only to two or more illuminationfunctions, or only to two or more imaging functions, for example to makean illumination section or a receiving section, respectively, of anoptical code reader or another image acquisition device. In this case,of course on each printed circuit 2, 5 there shall be only one or moreemitters or one or more sensors, respectively.

It is also possible, alternatively or in addition to the illuminationand/or imaging functions, to integrate other optoelectronic functions inthe optical component 20 and in the image acquisition device 1,respectively, by providing suitable regions of the faces of the opticalcomponent 20 and suitable optoelectronic components suitable for beingoptically associated with them.

Amongst the optoelectronic functions that can be carried out thefollowing are mentioned merely by way of an example: the projection of aluminous aiming figure, the projection of a luminous outcome figure,optoelectronic presence detection, optoelectronic distance measurement,in particular through triangulation, information reception and/ortransmission.

For example, distance measurement can be carried out through coupling ahigh frequency modulating emitter (40-100 MHz) with a quick-responsesensor combined with a demodulation circuit that calculates the phaseshift between output signal and input signal, as described in EP 1 074854 A1 and EP 652 530 B1, or through an optical time-of-flightmeasurement system, or through an optical triangulation system. Theoptically active regions can comprise spherical refractive surfaces,aspherical refractive surfaces, toroidal refractive surfaces,diffractive surfaces.

The presence/absence detection can be carried out through a sensor ofthe PSD (Position Sensitive Device) type coupled with a suitableemitter, or through an optical system consisting of an emitter/receiverpair whose fields of view only cross near to a predetermined detectiondistance, or in one of the many ways known in the art. The opticallyactive regions can comprise spherical refractive surfaces, asphericalrefractive surfaces, toroidal refractive surfaces, diffractive surfaces.

The information transmission and/or reception can also be carried outthrough an optical emitter/receiver pair in one the many ways known inthe art. The optically active regions can comprise spherical refractivesurfaces, aspherical refractive surfaces, toroidal refractive surfaces,flat refractive surfaces, diffractive surfaces.

By way an example of projection of a luminous aiming or outcomeindication figure, FIG. 3 illustrates the optical device 1, wherein onthe major base face 30 of the optical component 20 a central region 39between the four optically active regions 31, 32, 33 and 34 is made.

The optical component 20 has a protrusion 40 centrally at the end of theminor base face 21, on which a further optically active region 41 can bemade, optically associated with the central region 39 of the major baseface 30.

On the first printed circuit 2 there is a further light emitter 13,arranged in a central position translated with respect to the emitter 3and to the sensor 4, so as to be optically associated with the furtherregion 41 of the protrusion 40 and with the central region 39 of themajor base face 30.

Thanks to the optical association, the light beam emitted by the furtheremitter 13 is conveyed from the further region 41 of the protrusion 40of the minor base face 21 to the central region 39 of the major baseface 30, possibly undergoing the suitable changes in characteristicssuch as shape and local intensity. Purely for indicative purposes, theoverall progression of the light beam is shown with reference numeral42.

The further region 41 of the protrusion 40 and the central region 39 ofthe major base face 30 can be configured to shape and/or focus the beamof light emitted by the further emitter 13, so as to give the beam ashape suitable for identifying a central part and/or the corners and/orthe edges of the fields of view of the two optical acquisitionconfigurations of the image acquisition device 1, or so as to give thebeam a shape and/or a colour suitable for indicating the outcome of theacquisition of an image, for example successful reading of an opticalcode or failed reading, possibly also indicating the presumed reasonsfor the error.

For example, one or the other region 39, 41 can be flat refractivesurfaces, refractive surfaces of locally defined arbitrary shape,diffractive surfaces, or polyhedral surfaces, for example a pyramid asdescribed in patent EP 1 172 756 B1.

The surface 41 can also be a spherical refractive surface or anaspherical refractive surface.

The apertured screen 8, if present, shall comprise a suitable aperture39′ optically associated with the further emitter 13, with the furtherregion 41 of the protrusion 40 and with the central region 39 of themajor base face 30.

FIG. 4 illustrates an optical component 20 modified with respect toFIGS. 1 and 2 in that the optically active regions 25, 26 of the rightangle side face 24 are recessed into the optical component 20.

This provision, which can equally be applied to the other opticallyactive regions, in particular to the second region 23 of the minor baseface 21, assigned to the imaging function, makes it possible to reducethe distance from the third and from the fourth regions 33, 34 of themajor base face 30, and introduces a free air propagation portion, whichgives an additional degree of freedom of design. Moreover, space is leftavailable for components projecting from the second printed circuit 5,for which reason the overall size of the optical image acquisitiondevice 1 can be reduced.

FIG. 5 illustrates an apertured screen 14 as an alternative or inaddition to the apertured screen 8, coupled with the optical component20. The apertured screen 14 is bent into an L-shape and faces the minorbase face 21 and the right angle side face 24 of the optical component20, and has apertures 15, 16, 17, 18 optically associated with theiroptically active regions 22, 23, 25, 26, respectively, carrying out thefunctions of baffle apertures of the non-imaging lenses and of aperturestop of the imaging lenses.

It should be understood that one part only of the apertured screen 14,for example one wing only of the L-shape, could analogously be providedfor, alternatively or in addition to the apertured screen 8.

Preferably, also in the case of use of an apertured screen 14 arrangedbetween the printed circuit 2 and/or 5 and the optical component 20,there shall be pins and corresponding holes or other means for ensuringthe correct mutual positioning or alignment in the broadest sensebetween the optical component 20, the screen 14, and the optoelectroniccomponents of the printed circuit 5.

A second embodiment of an image acquisition device 51 and of an opticalcomponent 60 thereof is shown in FIG. 6.

The image acquisition device 51 comprises, besides the optical component60, a single printed circuit 52, comprising a light emitter 53 and aphotodetector device or image sensor 54.

For the details and the possible additional components of the printedcircuit 52, reference is fully made to the description of the printedcircuits 2, 5 of the first embodiment described above.

The optical component 60 is a monolithic transparent body. The opticalcomponent 60 is preferably made by moulding of a plastic material.

The optical component 60 is more specifically a right angle polyhedralbody, having a square cross-section, which could however also have arectangular cross-section.

A first face 61 of the optical component 60 can face, in a firstacquisition configuration of the optical acquisition device 51, theprinted circuit 52.

Preferably, pins (not shown) for engaging in holes (not shown) of theprinted circuit 52 project from the first face 61 of the opticalcomponent 60, or there are other suitable means for ensuring the correctmutual positioning or alignment in the broadest sense between thecomponents of the printed circuit 52 and the optical component 60, inparticular its optically active regions described hereinafter.

The first face 61 of the optical component 60 comprises a firstoptically active region 62 and a second optically active region 63 that,in the first acquisition configuration of the acquisition device 51, arerespectively optically associated with the emitter 53 and with thesensor 54 of the printed circuit 52.

The first region 62 of the first face 61 is a surface configured to givethe light emitted by the emitter 53 properties more suitable for theillumination of the image to be acquired.

In other words, the first region 62 of the first face 61 is part of afirst non-imaging lens.

The first region 62 of the first face 61 is preferably a refractivesurface of locally defined arbitrary shape, but alternatively it can bea flat refractive surface or a diffractive surface.

The second region 63 of the first face 61 has the shape of a sphericalrefractive, aspherical refractive, toroidal refractive or diffractivesurface, so as to embody a first surface of a first imaging lens.

A second face 64 of the optical component 60, adjacent to the first face61, can face, in a second acquisition configuration of the opticalacquisition device 51 obtained by rotation by 90° of the opticalcomponent 60, the printed circuit 52.

Preferably, pins (not shown) for engaging in holes (not shown) of theprinted circuit 52 project from the second face 64 of the opticalcomponent 60, or there are other suitable means for ensuring the correctmutual positioning or alignment in the broadest sense between thecomponents of the printed circuit 52 and the optical component 60.

The second face 64 of the optical component 60 comprises a first region65 and a second region 66 that, in the second acquisition configurationof the acquisition device 51, are respectively optically associated withthe emitter 53 and with the sensor 54 of the printed circuit 52.

Similarly to the first region 62 of the first face 61, the first region65 of the second face 64 is a surface configured to give the lightemitted by the emitter 53 properties more suitable for the illuminationof the image to be acquired.

In other words, the first region 65 of the second face 64 is part of asecond non-imaging lens.

The first region 65 of the second face 64 is also preferably arefractive surface of locally defined arbitrary shape or, alternatively,it can be a flat refractive surface or a diffractive surface.

Similarly to the second region 63 of the first face 61, the secondregion 66 of the second face 64 has the shape of a spherical refractive,aspherical refractive, toroidal refractive or diffractive surface, toembody a first surface of a second imaging lens.

A third face 67 of the optical component 60, opposite the first face 61,comprises a first region 71 optically associated with the first region62 of the first face 61 and, in the first acquisition configuration ofthe image acquisition device 51, with the emitter 53 of the printedcircuit 52, as well as a second region 72, optically associated with thesecond region 63 of the first face 61 and, in the first acquisitionconfiguration of the image acquisition device 51, with the sensor 54 ofthe printed circuit 52.

The first region 71 of the third face 67 is a surface configured to givethe light emitted by the emitter 53 properties more suitable for theillumination of the image to be acquired, in cooperation with the firstregion 62 of the first face 61.

The first region 71 of the third face 67 is therefore part of the firstnon-imaging lens.

The first region 71 of the third face 67 is also preferably a refractivesurface of locally defined arbitrary shape or, alternatively, it can bea flat refractive surface or a diffractive surface.

The second region 72 of the third face 67 has the shape of a sphericalrefractive, aspherical refractive, toroidal refractive or diffractivesurface, to embody a second surface of the first imaging lens.

A fourth face 68 of the optical component 60, opposite the second face64, comprises a first region 73 optically associated with the firstregion 65 of the second face 64 and, in the second acquisitionconfiguration of the image acquisition device 51, with the emitter 53 ofthe printed circuit 52, as well as a second region 74, opticallyassociated with the second region 66 of the second face 64 and, in thesecond acquisition configuration of the image acquisition device 51,with the sensor 54 of the printed circuit 52.

The first region 73 of the fourth face 68 is a surface configured togive the light emitted by the emitter 53 properties more suitable forthe illumination of the image to be acquired, in cooperation with thefirst region 65 of the second face 64.

The first region 73 of the fourth face 68 is therefore part of thesecond non-imaging lens.

The first region 73 of the fourth face 68 is also preferably arefractive surface of locally defined arbitrary shape or, alternatively,it can be a flat refractive surface or a diffractive surface.

The second region 74 of the fourth face 68 has the shape of a sphericalrefractive, aspherical refractive, toroidal refractive or diffractivesurface, so as to embody a second surface of the second imaging lens.

The image acquisition device 51 can further comprise an apertured screen(not shown) analogous to the apertured screen 8 or 14 of the firstembodiment described above, arranged at one or more faces of the opticalcomponent 60, and preferably coupled with it through pins and holes orother suitable means, or made of an opaque plastic material co-mouldedwith the transparent material or through an light absorbing treatment orby painting the face(s) 61, 64, 67, 68 of the optical component 60.

If present, such an apertured screen shall comprise, in one or more ofits regions facing first regions 62, 65, 71, 73 of the various faces 61,64, 67, 68, one or more apertures optically associated with thenon-imaging lens(es) and configured to embody one or more baffleaperture(s) of such non-imaging lens(es), as well as, in one or more ofits regions facing second regions 63, 66, 72, 74 of the various faces61, 64, 67, 68, one or more apertures optically associated with theimaging lens(es) and configured to embody one or more aperture stop(s)of such imaging lens(es).

Thanks to the optical association, the light beam emitted by the emitter53 in the first acquisition configuration of the image acquisitiondevice 51 is conveyed from the first region 62 of the first face 61 tothe first region 71 of the third face 67, possibly undergoing thesuitable changes in characteristics such as shape and local intensity.

Purely for indicative purposes, the overall progression of the lightbeam is shown with reference numeral 75.

Moreover, thanks to the optical association, the light beam diffused bythe illuminated area is conveyed from the second region 72 of the thirdface 67 to the second region 63 of the first face 61 and then, in thefirst acquisition configuration of the image acquisition device 51, tothe sensor 54 of the printed circuit 52, undergoing the suitable changesin direction suitable for the formation of an image on the sensor.Purely for indicative purposes, the overall progression of the lightbeam is shown with reference numeral 76.

It should be noted that the overall progression 75 of the firstillumination light beam and the overall progression 76 of the firstimaging light beam are parallel.

By suitably configuring the aforementioned regions 62, 71; 63, 72 andthe possible associated apertures in the apertured screen, it ispossible to give the desired characteristics to the first acquisitionconfiguration of the image acquisition device 51.

Thanks to the optical association, the light beam emitted by the emitter53 is conveyed from the first region 65 of the second face 64 to thefirst region 73 of the fourth face 68, possibly undergoing the suitablechanges in characteristics such as shape and local intensity. Purely forindicative purposes, the overall progression of the light beam is shownwith reference numeral 77.

Moreover, thanks to the optical association, the light beam diffused bythe illuminated area is conveyed from the second region 74 of the fourthface 68 to the second region of the second face 64, and then to thesensor 54, undergoing the suitable changes in direction suitable for theformation of an image on the sensor 54. Purely for indicative purposes,the overall progression of the light beam is shown with referencenumeral 78.

It should be noted that the overall progression 77 of the secondillumination light beam and the overall progression 78 of the secondimaging light beam are parallel.

By suitably configuring the aforementioned regions 65, 73; 66, 74, andthe possible associated apertures in the apertured screen, it ispossible to give the desired characteristics to the second acquisitionconfiguration of the image acquisition device 51.

It should be noted that, thanks to the different orientation between thefaces of the optical component 60, in particular thanks to theorientation at 90° between the first face 61 and the second face 64, theoverall progressions 75 and 77 of the light beams associated with thehomologous illumination functions according to the two differentconfigurations intersect, in particular at 90°, as well as the overallprogressions 76 and 78 of the light beams associated with the homologousimaging functions according to the two different configurationsintersect, in particular at 90°.

Inside the optical component 60 there can be a screen (not shown)analogous to the screen 59 of the first embodiment, between the regionsassigned to the illumination function (overall progressions 75 and 77)on the one side, and the regions assigned to the imaging function(overall progressions 76 and 78) on the other.

Such a screen can for example consist of an opaque inner wall should thebody of the transparent optical component 60 be hollow, or of an opaqueplastic material co-moulded with the transparent material to make asolid optical component 60.

Alternatively or in addition to the inner screen, there can be screensof the side faces of the optical component 60, for rejecting light fromthe outside.

As far as the characteristics of the two acquisition configurations areconcerned, reference is fully made to what has been described withreference to the subsystems of the image acquisition device 1 of thefirst embodiment.

The selection of the acquisition configuration of the image acquisitiondevice 51 can take place only once in the assembly step upon leaving thefactory, or in the installation step according to the predeterminedconfiguration, with clear advantages in terms of production of parts andof storage.

The acquisition configuration of the image acquisition device 51 canhowever also be changed after installation, by providing for suitablecoupling means replacing the pins and holes described above, and byproviding for a suitable rotation mechanism of the optical component 60.

The rotation mechanism of the optical component 60 can also beautomated, by providing for drive electronics, for example based uponthe distance of the image to be acquired or the type of optical code tobe acquired.

The image acquisition device 51 has the advantages outlined above withreference to the image acquisition device 1 of the first embodiment.

Moreover, it is possible to extend or diversify the functions of theimage acquisition device 51 by increasing the number of optically activeregions of the various faces of the optical component 60, and byarranging further optoelectronic components on the printed circuit 52,or to use it as an illumination section, as an receiving section, as aprojection section of a luminous aiming or outcome indication figure, asa distance measurement section, as a presence detection section, or asan information transmission and/or reception section, in a way totallyanalogous to what has been described with reference to the firstembodiment.

It is also possible to make any number of acquisition configurations byshaping the optical component with a polygonal section having any evennumber of sides, i.e. hexagonal, octagonal etc. The acquisitionconfiguration shall be selected through rotation of the opticalcomponent by a suitable angle. The optically active regions of oppositefaces of the optical component shall be optically associated. Theoptically active regions associated with homologous optical functions,but according to different configurations, shall define overallprogressions of light beams intersected at a certain angle defined bythe relative orientation of said pairs of opposite faces.

A third embodiment of an image acquisition device 81 and of an opticalcomponent 90 thereof is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The image acquisition device 81 comprises, besides the optical component90, a single printed circuit 82, comprising a light emitter 83 and aphotodetector device or image sensor 84.

For the details and the possible additional components of the printedcircuit 82, reference is fully made to the description of the printedcircuits 2, 5 of the first embodiment described above.

The image acquisition device 81 further comprises a support framework 85of the optical component 90 as well as of other components of the device81.

The framework 85 has an overall right angle polyhedral shape withrectangular cross-section, having at least three consecutivesubstantially open faces.

The printed circuit 82 is fixed to the framework 85 at one of thesubstantially open faces.

The image acquisition device 81 further comprises, preferably but notnecessarily, a diaphragm 86 housed in the space inside the framework 85,to divide the space inside the framework 85 into a first chamber 87 infront of the emitter 83 of the printed circuit 82, and a second chamber88 in front of the sensor 84 of the printed circuit 82.

The image acquisition device 81 further comprises, preferably but notnecessarily, an imaging lens 89 housed in the second chamber 88.

The imaging lens 89 preferably consists of a barrel that encloses agroup of lenses.

The optical component 90 is a monolithic transparent body. The opticalcomponent 90 is preferably made by moulding of a plastic material.

The optical component 90 is more specifically a substantially rightangle polyhedral shaped body with square cross-section, but partiallyhollow to house the imaging lens 89 within it. The section of the rightangle polyhedron could however also be rectangular.

A first face 91 of the optical component 90 can face, in a firstacquisition configuration of the optical acquisition device 81, theprinted circuit 82.

The first face 91 of the optical component 90 comprises only a firstregion 92 that, in the first acquisition configuration of theacquisition device 81, is optically associated with the emitter 83 ofthe printed circuit 82, while at the sensor 84 of the printed circuit82, the first face 91 is hollow.

The first region 92 of the first face 91 is a surface configured to givethe light emitted by the emitter 83 properties more suitable for theillumination of the image to be acquired.

In other words, the first region 92 of the first face 91 is part of afirst non-imaging lens.

The first region 92 of the first face 91 is preferably a refractivesurface of locally defined arbitrary shape, but alternatively it can bea flat refractive surface or a diffractive surface.

A second face 94 of the optical component 90, adjacent to the first face91, can face, in a second acquisition configuration of the opticalacquisition device 81 obtained by rotation by 90° of the opticalcomponent 90, the printed circuit 82.

The second face 94 of the optical component 90 also comprises only afirst region 95 that, in the second acquisition configuration of theacquisition device 81, is optically associated with the emitter 83 ofthe printed circuit 82, while at the sensor 84 of the printed circuit82, the optical component 90 lacks the second face 94.

Similarly to the first region 92 of the first face 91, the first region95 of the second face 94 is a surface configured to give the lightemitted by the emitter 83 properties more suitable for the illuminationof the image to be acquired.

In other words, the first region 95 of the second face 94 is part of asecond non-imaging lens.

The first region 95 of the second face 94 is also preferably arefractive surface of locally defined arbitrary shape, but alternativelyit can be a flat refractive surface or a diffractive surface.

A third face 97 of the optical component 90, opposite the first face 91,comprises a first region 101 optically associated with the first region92 of the first face 91 and, in the first acquisition configuration ofthe image acquisition device 81, with the emitter 83 of the printedcircuit 82, as well as a second region 102, optically associated, in thefirst acquisition configuration of the image acquisition device 81, withthe sensor 84 of the printed circuit 82 and with the imaging lens 89,where provided for.

The first region 101 of the third face 97 is a surface configured togive the light emitted by the emitter 83 properties more suitable forthe illumination of the image to be acquired, in cooperation with thefirst region 92 of the first face 91.

The first region 101 of the third face 97 is therefore part of the firstnon-imaging lens.

The first region 101 of the third face 97 is also preferably arefractive surface of locally defined arbitrary shape or, alternatively,it can be a flat refractive surface or a diffractive surface.

The second region 102 of the third face 97 can be flat or have the shapeof a spherical refractive, aspherical refractive, toroidal refractive ordiffractive surface, so as to embody a further surface of the imaginglens 89 in the first acquisition configuration of the image acquisitiondevice 81.

A fourth face 98 of the optical component 90, opposite the second face94, comprises a first region 103 optically associated with the firstregion 95 of the second face 94 and, in the second acquisitionconfiguration of the image acquisition device 81, with the emitter 83 ofthe printed circuit 82, as well as a second region 104, opticallyassociated, in the second acquisition configuration of the imageacquisition device 81, with the sensor 84 of the printed circuit 82 andwith the imaging lens 89, where provided for.

The first region 103 of the fourth face 98 is a surface configured togive the light emitted by the emitter 83 properties more suitable forthe illumination of the image to be acquired, in cooperation with thefirst region 95 of the second face 94.

The first region 103 of the fourth face 98 is therefore part of thesecond non-imaging lens.

The first region 103 of the fourth face 98 is also preferably arefractive surface of locally defined arbitrary shape or, alternatively,it can be a flat refractive surface or a diffractive surface.

The second region 104 of the fourth face 98 can be flat or have theshape of a spherical refractive, aspherical refractive, toroidalrefractive or diffractive surface, so as to embody a further surface ofthe imaging lens 87 in the second acquisition configuration of the imageacquisition device 81.

The image acquisition device 81 can further comprise an apertured screen(not shown) analogous to the apertured screen 8 or 14 of the firstembodiment described above, arranged at one or more faces of the opticalcomponent 90, and preferably coupled thereto through pins and holes orother suitable means, or made of an opaque plastic material co-mouldedwith the transparent material or through an light absorbing treatment orby painting the face(s) 91, 94, 97, 98 of the optical component 90.

If present, such an apertured screen shall comprise, in one or moreregions thereof facing first regions 92, 95, 101, 103 of the variousfaces 91, 94, 97, 98, one or more aperture(s) optically associated withthe non-imaging lens(es) and configured to embody one or more baffleaperture(s) of such non-imaging lens(es), as well as, in one or moreregions thereof facing the second regions 102, 104 of the faces 97, 98,one or more aperture(s) optically associated with the imaging lens(es)and configured to embody one or more aperture stop(s) of such imaginglens(es).

Thanks to the optical association, the light beam emitted by the emitter83 in the first acquisition configuration of the image acquisitiondevice 81 is conveyed from the first region 92 of the first face 91 tothe first region 101 of the third face 97, possibly undergoing thesuitable changes in characteristics such as shape and local intensity.Purely for indicative purposes, the overall progression of the lightbeam is shown with reference numeral 105.

Thanks to the optical association, the light beam diffused by theilluminated area is conveyed through the second region 102 of the thirdface 97 and then, in the first acquisition configuration of the imageacquisition device 81, to the sensor 84 of the printed circuit 82,undergoing the suitable changes in direction suitable for the formationof an image on the sensor. Purely for indicative purposes, the overallprogression of the light beam is shown with reference numeral 106.

It should be noted that the overall progression 105 of the firstillumination light beam and the overall progression 106 of the firstimaging light beam are parallel.

By suitably configuring the aforementioned regions 92, 101 and 102 andthe possible associated apertures in the apertured screen, it ispossible to give the desired characteristics to the first acquisitionconfiguration of the image acquisition device 81.

Thanks to the optical association, the light beam emitted by the emitter83 is conveyed from the first region 95 of the second face 94 to thefirst region 103 of the fourth face 98, possibly undergoing the suitablechanges in characteristics such as shape and local intensity. Purely forindicative purposes, the overall progression of the light beam is shownwith reference numeral 107.

Moreover, thanks to the optical association, the light beam diffused bythe illuminated area is conveyed from the second region 104 of thefourth face 98 and then to the sensor 84, undergoing the suitablechanges in direction suitable for the formation of an image on thesensor. Purely for indicative purposes, the overall progression of thelight beam is shown with reference numeral 108.

It should be noted that the overall progression 107 of the secondillumination light beam and the overall progression 108 of the secondimaging light beam are parallel.

By suitably configuring the aforementioned regions 95, 103 and 104, andthe possible associated apertures in the apertured screen, it ispossible to give the desired characteristics to the second acquisitionconfiguration of the image acquisition device 81.

It should be noted that, thanks to the different orientation between thefaces of the optical component 90, in particular thanks to theorientation at 90° between the first face 91 and the second face 94, theoverall progressions 105 and 107 of the light beams associated with thehomologous illumination functions according to the two differentconfigurations intersect, in particular at 90°, as well as the overallprogressions 106 and 108 of the light beams associated with thehomologous imaging functions according to the two differentconfigurations intersect, in particular at 90°.

As far as the characteristics of the two acquisition configurations areconcerned, reference is fully made to what has been described withreference to the subsystems of the image acquisition device 1 of thefirst embodiment.

In particular, it should be noted that the second regions 102, 104 ofthe third and of the fourth faces 97, 98 form an additional surface ofthe common imaging lens 89, and therefore allow the field of view and/orthe focal distance of the two acquisition configurations to be madedifferent.

Also the optical acquisition device 81 can comprise an inner screenanalogous to the screen 59 of the first embodiment, between the regionsassigned to the illumination function (overall progressions 105 and 107)on the one side, and the regions assigned to the imaging function(overall progressions 106 and 108) on the other.

The optical acquisition device 81 can finally comprise an opticalinsulation cover 109, which preferably integrates an additional printedcircuit.

The selection of the acquisition configuration of the image acquisitiondevice 81 can take place only once or during the use of the imageacquisition device 81, automatically or manually, as described abovewith reference to the second embodiment.

The image acquisition device 81 has the advantages outlined above withreference to the image acquisition device 1 of the first embodiment.

Also in this case, it is possible to extend or diversify the functionsof the image acquisition device 81 by increasing the number of opticallyactive regions of the various faces of the optical component 90, andarranging further optoelectronic components on the printed circuit 82,or to use it as an illumination section, as a receiving section, as aprojection section of a luminous aiming or outcome indication figure, asa distance measurement section, as a presence detection section, or asan information transmission and/or reception section, in a totallyanalogous way to what has been described with reference to the firstembodiment.

For example, the third face 97 and the fourth face 98 of the opticalcomponent 90 could each comprise four optically active regions arrangedaround their second regions 102, 104.

Then there shall be four further light emitters on the printed circuit82, arranged around the sensor 84, so as to be optically associated withthe four optically active regions of the third face 97 or of the fourthface 98, respectively in the two acquisition configurations of the imageacquisition device 81.

The light emitters could for example be surface mounted light emittingdiodes (LED SMD).

The four optically active regions of the third face 97 and of the fourthface 98 could be configured to shape and/or focus the beams of lightemitted by the further emitters, so as to give the beams a shapesuitable for identifying the corners and/or the edges of the fields ofview of the two optical acquisition configurations of the imageacquisition device 81, or so as to give the beams a shape and/or acolour suitable for indicating the outcome of the acquisition of animage, for example the successful reading of an optical code or failedreading, possibly also indicating the presumable reasons for the error.

For example, the four optically active regions of the third face 97 andof the fourth face 98 could be flat refractive surfaces, refractivesurfaces locally defined arbitrary shape, or diffractive surfaces.

The apertured screen, if present, shall comprise suitable aperturesoptically associated with the further emitters and with the fouroptically active regions of the third face 97 or of the fourth face 98,respectively, in the two acquisition configurations of the imageacquisition device 81.

There could also be light guides extending between the further emittersand the four optically active regions of the third face 97 or of thefourth face 98, respectively.

Alternatively, the further emitters could be glued to the opticalcomponent 90, behind the third and fourth faces 97, 98.

Similarly to the second embodiment, it is also possible to make anynumber of acquisition configurations by shaping the optical componentwith a polygonal cross-section having any even number of sides, i.e.hexagonal, octagonal, etc.

Alternatively or in addition to the inner screen, there can be screensof the side faces of the optical component 80, for rejecting light fromthe outside.

Finally, FIG. 9 shows an optical acquisition device 121 comprising arectangular parallelepiped-shaped optical component 130, having aplurality of optically active regions 133 to 140 on two opposite faces131, 132.

The optically active regions 133-136 of the first face 131 are opticallyassociated with the optically active regions 137-140, respectively, ofthe second face 122, as well as with a first emitter 123, a first sensor124, a second emitter 125, and a second sensor 126 of a printed circuit122 facing the first face 131 of the optical component 130.

By suitably configuring the various optically active regions 133 to 140and the optoelectronic elements 123-126 of the printed circuit 122, itis possible to obtain an optical acquisition device 121 integrating twodifferent acquisition configurations.

The variants and additions described above with reference to the otherembodiments can be applied to the optical acquisition device 121.

In all of the embodiments and variants described above, the variousoptically active regions are preferably integrally made in the opticalcomponent 20, 60, 90, 130, but they can also be lenses or opticalelements deposited, glued or co-moulded onto it.

What is claimed is:
 1. A single optical component of an imageacquisition device, the single optical component comprising at least twofaces each having a first optically active region, said first opticallyactive regions of said at least two faces being assigned to opticalfunctions homologous to each other, but according to differentacquisition configurations differing in the value of at least oneoptical characteristic parameter, said at least two faces also definingrespective reference planes, the normals to the reference planes beingdifferently oriented.
 2. The component according to claim 1, whereinsaid homologous optical functions are functions identically selectedfrom the group consisting of beam shaping, imaging, aiming, indication,distance measurement including triangulation, presence detection,information transmission, information reception, informationtransmission/reception.
 3. The component according to claim 1, whereinthe normals to the reference planes form an angle of 90°.
 4. Thecomponent according to claim 1, wherein said at least two faces eachfurther comprise at least one second optically active region assigned toat least one optical function not homologous to the optical functions ofsaid first optically active regions.
 5. The component according to claim4, wherein said at least one non-homologous optical function isselected, from the group consisting of illumination beam shaping,imaging, aiming, indication, distance measurement includingtriangulation, presence detection, information transmission, informationreception, information transmission/reception.
 6. The componentaccording to claim 5, wherein said at least two faces comprise at leasttwo pairs each formed of at least one optically active region assignedto an illumination beam shaping function and at least one opticallyactive region assigned to an imaging function.
 7. The componentaccording to claim 1, wherein at least one region of at least one faceis selected from the group consisting of a flat refractive surface, arefractive surface of locally defined arbitrary shape, a diffractivesurface, and a polyhedral surface.
 8. The component according to claim1, wherein at least one region of at least one face is selected from thegroup consisting of a spherical refractive surface, an asphericalrefractive surface, a toroidal refractive surface, and a diffractivesurface.
 9. The component according to claim 1, comprising at least oneface having at least one region configured to deflect light internallyof the component.
 10. The component according to claim 1, comprisingfaces arranged along or parallel to the lateral surface of a right anglepolyhedron with rectangular trapezium-shaped cross-section.
 11. Thecomponent according to claim 10, wherein the face along the oblique sideforms an angle of 45° with the face along the major base.
 12. Thecomponent according to claim 10, wherein: a minor base face and a rightangle side face each comprise at least one first region that is flatrefractive or refractive of locally defined arbitrary shape ordiffractive, and a second region having the shape of a sphericalrefractive, aspherical refractive, toroidal refractive or diffractivesurface; an oblique side face is configured to deflect light internallyof the optical component; a major base face comprises at least one firstregion optically associated with the first region of the minor base facethat is flat refractive, refractive of locally defined arbitrary shapeor diffractive; a second region optically associated with the secondregion of the minor base face and having the shape of a sphericalrefractive, aspherical refractive, toroidal refractive or diffractivesurface; a third region optically associated with the first region ofthe right angle side face through said oblique side face, that is flatrefractive, refractive of locally defined arbitrary shape ordiffractive; and a fourth region optically associated with the secondregion of the right angle side face through said oblique side face, andhaving the shape of a spherical refractive, aspherical refractive,toroidal refractive or diffractive surface.
 13. The component accordingto claim 12, wherein said regions from the first to the fourth of saidmajor base face are arranged as a square, and said major base facefurther comprises a central region; said minor base face comprises afurther optically active region optically associated with the centralregion of the major base face; said central region and further opticallyactive region being independently selected from the group consisting offlat refractive, refractive of locally defined arbitrary shape,diffractive or polyhedral surfaces.
 14. The component according to claim1, wherein the component further includes pairs of faces arrangedparallel to one another.
 15. The component according to claim 14,wherein each face comprises at least one first region that is flatrefractive, refractive of locally defined arbitrary shape ordiffractive, and at least two faces each comprise at least one secondregion having the shape of a spherical refractive, asphericalrefractive, toroidal refractive or diffractive surface, the firstregions of faces of a pair of faces parallel to each other beingoptically associated, and the second regions of faces of a pair of facesparallel to each other being optically associated.
 16. The componentaccording to claim 14, wherein said pairs of faces parallel to eachother are two in number, the faces of one pair being perpendicular tothe faces of the other pair.
 17. The component according to claim 14,wherein said faces arranged in pairs parallel to each other are arrangedalong the sides of a polygon with an even number of sides.
 18. Thecomponent according to claim 14, wherein at least one face has at leastone further optically active region selected from the group consistingof a flat refractive, a refractive of locally defined arbitrary shape,diffractive and a polyhedral surface.
 19. The component according toclaim 18, wherein at least one light guide extends from said at leastone further optically active region of said at least one face to aparallel face of said component.
 20. The component according to claim 1,wherein said at least two faces are made of a plastic material.
 21. Thecomponent according to claim 20, wherein said at least two faces aremade by moulding.
 22. The component according to claim 1, comprising aninner screen.
 23. The component according to claim 1, wherein saidcomponent is monolithic.
 24. A single optical component of an imageacquisition device, the single optical component comprising at least twopairs each formed of at least one optically active region assigned to anillumination beam shaping function, and at least one optically activeregion assigned to an imaging function, said at least two pairs ofoptically active regions being configured according to differentacquisition configurations differing in the value of at least oneoptical characteristic parameter.
 25. An image acquisition device,comprising: an optical component having at least two faces each having afirst optically active region, said first optically active regions ofsaid at least two faces being assigned to optical functions homologousto each other, but according to different acquisition configurations,said at least two faces defining respective reference planes, thenormals to the reference planes being differently oriented; and aprinted circuit facing a face of said optical component.
 26. The deviceaccording to claim 25, wherein said printed circuit comprises at leastone light emitter and at least one image sensor, respectively opticallyassociated with at least one optically active region of said component.27. The device according to claim 25, further comprising at least onesecond printed circuit fixed parallel to a face of said componentadjacent to said face to which said printed circuit can be fixed. 28.The device according to claim 27, wherein said second printed circuitcomprises at least one light emitter and at least one image sensor,respectively optically associated with at least one optically activeregion of said component.
 29. The device according to claim 28, furthercomprising electonics for driving said emitters and sensors of saidfirst and second printed circuits.
 30. The device according to claim 29,wherein said drive electronics comprise at least one detector of anacquisition condition and provides for switching on the emitter and thesensor of the first printed circuit or the emitter and the sensor of thesecond printed circuit based upon the detected acquisition condition.31. The device according to claim 29, wherein said drive electronicsprovides for switching on the emitter and the sensor of the firstprinted circuit in a first half-cycle and the emitter and the sensor ofthe second printed circuit in a second half-cycle.
 32. The deviceaccording claim 25, further comprising at least one apertured screenhaving at least one aperture optically associated with at least oneregion of at least one face of the optical component.
 33. The deviceaccording to claim 25, further comprising a mechanism for rotating theoptical component between a first acquisition configuration wherein saidprinted circuit faces a first face of said optical component, and atleast one second acquisition configuration wherein said printed circuitfaces a second face of said optical component.
 34. The device accordingto claim 33, wherein said optical component is partially hollow andfurther comprising an imaging lens housed in the cavity of the opticalcomponent, and optically associated with at least one optically activeregion having imaging function of said optical component.
 35. The deviceaccording to claim 26, further comprising at least one further lightemitter associated with an aiming or indication function.
 36. The deviceaccording to claim 25, wherein said device is selected among an opticalcode reader and an artificial vision and/or inspection system.
 37. Thedevice according to claim 36, wherein said device is an imaging opticalcode reader.
 38. The device according to claim 37, wherein said deviceis a two-dimensional imaging optical code reader.
 39. An opticalcomponent of an image acquisition device, comprising at least two faceseach having a first optically active region, said first optically activeregions of said at least two faces being assigned to optical functionshomologous to each other, but according to different acquisitionconfigurations, said at least two faces defining respective referenceplanes, the normals to the reference planes being differently oriented,wherein the component comprises faces arranged along or parallel to thelateral surface of a right angle polyhedron with rectangulartrapezium-shaped cross-section, and wherein: a minor base face and aright angle side face each comprise at least one first region that isflat refractive or refractive of locally defined arbitrary shape ordiffractive, and a second region having the shape of a sphericalrefractive, aspherical refractive, toroidal refractive or diffractivesurface; an oblique side face is configured to deflect light internallyof the optical component; and a major base face comprises at least onefirst region optically associated with the first region of the minorbase face that is flat refractive, refractive of locally definedarbitrary shape or diffractive; a second region optically associatedwith the second region of the minor base face and having the shape of aspherical refractive, aspherical refractive, toroidal refractive ordiffractive surface; a third region optically associated with the firstregion of the right angle side face through said oblique side face, thatis flat refractive, refractive of locally defined arbitrary shape ordiffractive; and a fourth region optically associated with the secondregion of the right angle side face through said oblique side face, andhaving the shape of a spherical refractive, aspherical refractive,toroidal refractive or diffractive surface.
 40. The component accordingto claim 39, wherein said regions from the first to the fourth of saidmajor base face are arranged as a square, and said major base facefurther comprises a central region; said minor base face comprises afurther optically active region optically associated with the centralregion of the major base face; said central region and further opticallyactive region being independently selected from the group consisting offlat refractive, refractive of locally defined arbitrary shape,diffractive or polyhedral surfaces.